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Sens Here

Fresh off a disastrous road trip, the Senators (your first-half CBL East champions) open a six-game homestand on Friday when they play the Fort Worth Cats at 7:05 p.m. Get ready for the roar of ThunderStix.

The (NFL's} Boys of Summer

All of the NFL teams are finally in training camp, even the Bengals, who win about as often as they spend money (rarely). ... Training camp has changed over the years. Players don't go to get in shape the way they did back in the day, thanks to minicamps and "voluntary" workouts virtually year-round. But how important is it for rookies? ... Meanwhile, the Saints get a scare in training camp.

The Kobe Case: O.J. Returns

Sports Illustrated's Roy S. Johnson writes what a lot of people are thinking: Kobe Bryant is new O.J. Does this mean that Bryant is going to spend the rest of his life on golf courses looking for the real culprit?

Hollywood Horse Story

This week's big movie release is a sports flick, "Seabiscuit" (not to be confused with the Shirley Temple movie). The reviews are mostly good, but the Washington Post's Stephen Hunter says the movie's populist fable is at odds with the real story, and Slate's David Edelstein says what's missing from "Seabiscuit" is ... Seabiscuit.

Saddam, Middle Reliever

The Cubs got Kenny Lofton. The Phillies got Mike Williams. Armando and Orosco went to the Bronx. But Al Leiter is still happy. Who know the Hussein brothers could play ball?

Tour de Lance

OK, Dr. S admits that he's pulling for Lance Armstrong to win his fifth straight Tour de France. But the issue is still in doubt going into Saturday's big time trial. This year's race has suspense that's been missing all too often in the past. ... Now, if Lance could just popularize the bath in France ...

The Kobe Case, Part 3

Here's one of the more sordid aspects of the furor surrounding the rape charge against Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant: Several Web sites and at least one radio show have identified the alleged victim. Some have gone so far as to publish her photo, give her address, etc. Turns out they might be trying to smear the wrong person. (Is the New York Times involved?) And the shock jock who put her name on the air has an "incident" in his past, too. But maybe he would rather not have that broadcast.

Uh Oh, Ole Miss

Ole Miss admits that the NCAA has been sniffing around Oxford again. Where there's smoke, there's definitely fire. How long before the strippers turn up again?

Not Fit To Print?

You would think that after the disgraceful disclosures of recent months, The New York Times would make every effort to avoid sloppy reporting and questionable sources when reporting the news. Terry Pluto says that you would be wrong.

The Kobe Case, Part 2

Here's two bonus prizes from the sexual assault case against Lakers uberstar Kobe Bryant:

1. A scumbag who revealed the alleged victim's name on his nationally syndicated radio show.

The Kobe Case

Akron Beacon Journal columnist Terry Pluto has a great column on Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, who's been charged with rape in Colorado: "When your best defense is infidelity, your life is a mess. He called this 'the mistake of adultery.' I know a guy who says, 'Dropping the pizza is a mistake. Messing around on your wife is a lousy decision.' ''

Will Eagles Be Golden?

Conference USA football coaches have selected Southern Miss to finish second this season behind TCU. And USM linebacker Rod Davis was named C-USA's preseason defensive player of the year. Stay out of his way.

The Boys Are Back

The Jackson Senators (your CBL East first-half champions) opened a four-game homestand Sunday night with a 4-2 victory over the San Angelo Colts. And if your scared of the water, remember that soft drinks and adult beverages are available at Smith-Wills.

The Best Sports Writer?

Who's the best sports writer in America? Slate's Ben Yagoda casts his vote for Sports Illustrated's Gary Smith (who wrote an incredible story in the June 16 SI). Dr. S thinks Charles P. Pierce belongs in this conversation. (But not Charles B. Pierce, the guy who made redneck scary classics like "The Legend of Boggy Creek." and "The Town That Dreaded Sundown.")

Does The All-Star Game Really Count?

It's time for baseall's All-Star Game (yawn). Or make that a so-called All-Star Game. After last year's disgraceful tie, FOX forced MLB to change the rules to 1) give homefield advantage in the World Series to the league that wins the All-Star Game, hoping that this will get the starts to play harder (it won't); and 2) expand the rosters in hopes of avoiding another tie. How ridiculous are Fox's TV ads that claim "This Time It Counts"? Listen to Fox Sports Radio sometime. The guys on there have been mocking the ad 24/7. And they work for Murdoch.

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